CityLaw Profile – City Council Zoning Chair Donovan Richards on Improving Sustainability

Donovan Richards was elected to the City Council from the 31st District in February 2013.  When you speak with City Council member Donovan Richards, two things become readily apparent:  an encyclopedic knowledge of the needs of his Southeast Queens Council district and the drive to pursue solutions for each of those needs simultaneously.


New York City Green Roof Laws Take Effect

Green Roofs and Solar Roof Systems should help buildings throughout the city maintain appropriate temperatures while cutting down on energy costs and emissions. On November 15, 2019, the Department of Buildings announced the effectiveness of Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019. Local Law 92 (Intro 0276) was originally introduced by Council Member Donovan J. Richards on January 31, 2018 and Local Law 94 (Intro 1032) was introduced by Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr. … <Read More>


Land Use Committee Approves Brooklyn CB10’s Application; Subcommittee Expresses Concern About BSA [UPDATE: City Council Unanimously Passes Application]

The approved proposal would remove Brooklyn Community District 10 from applicability under Section 73-622, while allowing three applications to go forward. On October 5, 2016, the City Council’s Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises heard testimony on an application from Brooklyn Community Board 10 to amend the New York City zoning text relating to special permits issued by the Board of Standards and Appeals. These special permits allow property owners in R2 zoning districts to … <Read More>